Category: Facebook
Facebook to add own name to Instagram, WhatsApp
Facebook is to add its own name to two of its most popular services – Instagram and WhatsApp – to more clearly signal its ownership of the social media platforms. The social networking giant confirmed the rebrand but has not said when it will take effect. It is understood the new names – Instagram from…
Facebook removes accounts for ‘spreading misinformation’
Facebook has announced the removal of hundreds of accounts from the social network originating in the Middle East. The company said it had found and removed two separate operations involved in “co-ordinated inauthentic behaviour” which was trying to mislead other users. Facebook said both operations – one originating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and…
Sir Nick Clegg claims Facebook will change after £4bn fine
Sir Nick Clegg has said Facebook’s settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would spark a change “deep into the bowels of the company” over how it handles personal data. The former deputy prime minister is now the social network’s vice president of global affairs and communications and said new privacy provisions being introduced…
Facebook Messenger Kids app flaw allowed strangers into chats
A flaw in Facebook’s Messenger Kids app meant children could have come into contact with people not approved by their parents, the social network has confirmed. The app, launched in 2017, is aimed at under-13s and is meant to be used as a safe space for them to chat to friends and family, controlled from…
Facebook defends Libra digital currency in US Senate grilling
The chief of Facebook’s new digital currency, Libra, has said it understands “loud and clear” that people do not want financial details connected to their social media data. David Marcus was grilled by US senators who expressed concern about Facebook’s planned cryptocurrency Libra, which will be run by a number of firms including Mastercard, Visa…
Facebook launches scam ad initiative, prompted by Martin Lewis
The Citizens Advice Scams Action team will review reports submitted in the UK (Facebook/PA) Fresh efforts to tackle scam ads across Facebook are set to be introduced in the UK today, following action from MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis. A specially trained team has been tasked with investigating alerts raised by the…
Facebook fined $5 billion over Cambridge Analytica privacy violations
The US Federal Trade Commission has voted to approve a fine of about $5 billion for Facebook over privacy violations, the Wall Street Journal has reported. Facebook declined to comment on the story which said the 3-2 vote broke along party lines, with Republicans in support and Democrats in opposition to the fine. The FTC…
Facebook to launch experimental apps to test new features
Facebook is to release experimental apps to the public as part of new product development plans. The social media giant said it would launch “small, focused apps” based on “entirely new experiences” through its New Product Experimentation (NPE) developer team. The company said the apps will be available on Apple’s App Store, Android and the…
Facebook offers digital skills training to armed forces veterans
Facebook is to provide digital skills training to more than 300 armed forces veterans when the social network holds a community event in London on Wednesday. The social media firm will hold a series of panel discussions and training sessions for veterans at Boost With Facebook For The Armed Forces Community, which it hopes will…
Sir Nick Clegg reiterates calls for greater tech regulation
Facebook’s head of global affairs Sir Nick Clegg has reiterated his belief that increased regulation of tech firms can not be done solely by the internet companies themselves. Sir Nick said it should not be left to a private company to “decide who is or isn’t a legitimate participant in an election” and has called…
